Microturbines Market Analysis, Trends, Forecast, 2014-2020

Microturbines constitute an ideal power generation solution owing to their compact size, lower weight, greater efficiency, minimal emission, economical operational costs, and capability of using waste fuels for producing power. Waste heat recovery can be accomplished with over 80% of the efficiency level, with microturbines.

With increasing energy consumption across the globe, the market for microturbines recorded significant growth within the last couple of years, and is expected to witness twofold growth over the forecast period 2014-2020. Growing energy need is anticipated to continue pushing the demand for microturbine systems. North America is estimated to continue the monopoly in the market globally.

As the demand and applications of energy are increasing, the need for more number of sources supporting low emission power generation is rising as well. This plays a key role in fuelling the demand for microturbines. Moreover, power generation plants as well as consumers are increasingly looking for cost-effective operation in order to achieve profitable power generation and supply.

Innovative Technology to Play a Crucial Driver

One of the most crucial drivers of the market includes the ability of microturbine systems to operate on multiple fuels. Use of materials, including thermal barrier coatings and ceramics improves the efficiency of microturbine systems, eventually increasing the resultant engine operating temperature. Such technological advancements in microturbines are estimated to further bolster the market. Hybrid electric vehicles raise the maximum demand for low power rating microturbines. As major OEMs are increasingly investing in R&D activities for enhanced microturbines efficiency, the market is projected to gain traction in the near future.

Awareness about Clean Energy and CHP to Fuel the Market

The clean energy trend compels the reduction of greenhouse gas and other emissions. Furthermore, the high efficiency-low carbon emission characteristics of natural gas-fired power plants are driving the market for microturbines globally. Cogeneration of power and heat allows to achieve high efficiency energy generation with substantial primary energy savings, up to 40%, which is majorly driving the demand for microturbines, especially from CHP plants.

FMI’s research on the global microturbines market offers a six-year forecast, segmenting the market according to application and end-use.

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into CHP generation and standby power. Growing demand for CCHP (combined cooling and heating power) and CHP (combined heating and power) is expected to positively shape the market of microturbines. The CHP generation segment is foreseen to dominate the market, accounting for more than half of the total market revenues by 2020 end.

Based on the end-use, the global microturbines market is segmented into industrial, commercial, and residential. The industrial end-use segment currently accounts for the largest market share of over 50% globally, which is anticipated to remain the largest end-use segment during the forecast period as well.

Regional Outlook: Global Microturbines Market

North America is currently the largest market for microturbines. Contributing around 50% to the total global market revenues, the North American market is led by the U.S. Awareness about increasing carbon footprint is likely to boost the market growth in the U.S. throughout the forecast period. Moreover, strict regulatory intervention by various environmental organisations, including CAA is estimated to drive the market in North America. While N. America is expected to retain the top market position, the U.S. will remain the clear leader through to 2020.

The second largest market for microturbines is Europe. Recently reformed policies by EU NEC (European Union National Emission Ceilings) have had an optimistic impact on the market. Europe is expected to witness strong demand for microturbines during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is reportedly the fastest growing market for microturbines. Owing to growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles from developing economies, this region is estimated to record substantial expansion by 2020 end.